Relationships Between Perceptions and Breastfeeding Preparation Behaviors Among Mothers of Preterm Infants Received Donor Human Milk

Abstract

Background: Donor human milk (DHM) is a vital nutritional alternative for preterm infants when mothers experience insufficient milk supply during the early postpartum period. However, supporting mothers in producing their own milk remains essential, as it provides specific immunological nutrients for infant health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perception factors within the Health Belief Model (HBM) and breastfeeding preparation behaviors among mothers of preterm infants receiving DHM. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was employed to examine the relationship between perception factorsdincluding perceived susceptibility to and severity of illness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacydand breastfeeding preparation behaviors among mothers of preterm infants receiving DHM. A total of 84 mothers of preterm infants receiving DHM from Ramathibodi Hospital's milk bank (JanuaryeNovember 2023) were recruited through purposive sampling. The instruments were validated by experts (IOC ¼ 0.67e1.00) and demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha ¼ 0.78e0.85). Data were analyzed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results: The results indicated a moderately positive, statistically significant correlation between perceived self-efficacy and breastfeeding preparation behaviors (r<inf>s</inf> ¼ 0.55, p < 0.05). Perceived susceptibility and severity of illness, perceived benefits and barriers to breastfeeding preparation showed no significant association with breastfeeding preparation behaviors (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Perceived self-efficacy is significantly associated with breastfeeding preparation behaviors among mothers of preterm infants receiving DHM. Therefore, healthcare professionals should promote self-efficacy in these mothers to enhance effective breastfeeding preparation.